“My dress, My image, My choice” is a women only community education program, with the intention of bringing Muslim and non Muslim women together to increase harmony and understanding about Muslim women and Islam in general; necessary we believe in today's political climate.

The ingredients of this program are what make it so successful… great food, conversation and of course fashion! The education process happens in a fun, comfortable and relaxed environment where women are able to engage in discussion, ask questions and as a result, break down barriers and any pre-conceived ideas they may have had about Muslim women and Islam in general.

The program began quite humbly in Women's Health Week March 2001 in the City of Manningham , Melbourne . It evolved from the work of Judy McDougall from the Migrant Information Centre- Eastern Region and Saara Sabbagh, youth worker for Young Muslims of Australia (to view evaluation report click here)

We had little expectations for the first show, and were pleased if 50 women turned up to this new cross-cultural initiative. We were pleasantly surprised by the hundred women that lined up at the door! The very next show in the City of Whitehorse saw 200 women line up and the success and interest has only increased with time. The program has been conducted across cities within Melbourne and regional Victoria.

My dress My image My choice is a non profit project operating under EVE, a women's only community initiative aimed at initiating and promoting dialogue between women of different faiths and backgrounds to create a truly harmonious intercultural Australian society.

Past and Future Events

“My dress, my image, My choice” has received overwhelming success both within Melbourne and across country Victoria . Some of the suburbs it has performed in are:

Doncaster, Richmond , Box Hill, Brunswick , Springvale, Rowville, Mornington, Hawthorn and many more. Regional Victoria has shown particular interest in this program and has been invited to attend places such as Shepparton, Colac and Cobram, with some regions being invited a second time.

The program has been conducted at girl's only schools as part of the cultural and religious studies syllabus.

In 2007 “My dress, My image, My choice” has received funding by Department of Immigration and Citizenship to expand the program across Australia . As a joint initiative with the Islamic Council of Victoria the program will be taken to both Sydney and Adelaide this year.